A boost for the development of soccer and cycling

The State Government is kicking more goals thanks to a $19 million funding allocation announced in last week’s Budget to encourage greater participation in sport.

The money will be used to establish a new soccer hub at the State Sports Park in Gepps Cross.

Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey, Wingard MP said the site will be transformed over the next three years into a new complex which will generate 60 jobs during the construction phase and employ another 40 people when completed.

“This sports hub will become the new home of Football Federation SA and a venue that will encourage greater participation in soccer,” he said.

“It will feature a stadium with a capacity for 5,000 people, including 1,000 seats, four synthetic pitches, an indoor complex and 10 outdoor five-a-side soccer fields.”

Football Federation SA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carter said today’s announcement represents a significant milestone for the development of soccer in South Australia.

“Thousands of men, women, boys and girls will benefit from the establishment of a state centre for football (soccer) and this fraternity is greatly appreciative of the funding commitment from the South Australian Government,” he said.

“Our goal is to establish a world class facility that will cater from the social, to the elite player.”

Football Federation SA President, Sam Ciccarello said the Marshall Government’s commitment recognises the growing demands on the sport which will increase its participation.

“Having a State Centre for football (soccer) will further elevate the code in South Australia and provide a venue that all South Australians can be proud of,” he said.

“On behalf of the entire football family, we thank Premier Steven Marshall, the Minister for Sport, Corey Wingard and the State Government for its continued support of football in SA.”

Minister Wingard also announced a $7.8 million fu0nding commitment for the upgrading of the neighbouring velodrome at State Sports Park which includes a $2.1 million contribution from the Federal Government.

“The upgrades will see the Adelaide Superdrome become the only velodrome in the world with a wind tunnel and will consolidate South Australia as the home of Cycling Australia's High Performance Program,” he said.

“These are very significant funding contributions for South Australia and reflects a clear commitment of support in sports by the Marshall Government.”